Relaxation Exercises:…

Relaxation Exercises:

Practicing exercises that help your body and mind to relax can quickly release feelings of stress and tension associated with PMS. Here is an example of a relaxation exercise that you can easily make part of your daily health routine:

Sit in a quiet room with dim lighting, with your feet flat on the ground.

Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Gently begin to breathe deeply in and out from your belly.

Each time you exhale; mentally tell yourself, “Relax.” Do this for a few moments, until you feel a wave of relaxation starting to move through your body.

Now place your attention on your head, jaw, and face. As you continue breathing, direct the wave of relaxation throughout all of the muscles of your face and jaw, including those of the eyes, then over your scalp and along your head, down to the base of your neck.

Now tense your facial, jaw, and eye muscles for a few seconds, then, quickly release and relax them.

Repeat this process with each remaining part of your body, beginning with your shoulders, back, arms, and hands, then moving down to your chest, abdomen, pelvis, thighs and upper legs, calves, ankles, feet, and toes. Be sure each area of your body becomes more relaxed before you move your attention to the next area.

Once you have proceeded all the way to your toes, continue to sit with your eyes closed for a few more minutes, still breathing gently in and out of your belly, allowing your feelings of relaxation to deepen.

Just before opening your eyes, allow your breathing to become deeper and fuller, feeling a wave of energy passing through you. Once you feel vitalized, slowly open your eyes and return to your daily activities.